DARRELL Clarke has repeated that Conor Hourihane will focus more on coaching than playing and only be used in the team in an injury crisis.
The Irish midfielder, a legend from his first spell at Barnsley, returned for a second spell at Oakwell as player/coach last summer but has not played since two appearances in August.
He has been promoted to a more senior position in Clarke’s coaching staff following the departure of Dean Whitehead.
Head coach Clarke said: “Conor’s body is not how it used to be.
“He is focusing on coaching and doing a great job.
“I understand fans’ perspective but Conor’s heart and mind is on coaching.
“It’s not about easy fixes.
“We need to focus on the talented players we have in midfield.”
Attacking midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn added: “When I played against Barnsley for Mansfield, Con came on.
“When I came here, I was thinking ‘what is the situation?’
“The lads told me he’s working really hard off the pitch and he’s his own man.
“I would love to see him playing on the pitch and getting us ticking, but I am not sure what’s going on.”
